ABSTRACT

This experiment is aimed at investigating the validity of Bernoullis equation

when applied to a steady flow of water in tapered duct and to measure the flow rate of
steady flow rates. Based on (Bernoullis theorem, 2011) relates the pressure, velocity, and
elevation in a moving fluid the compressibility and viscosity (internal friction) of which
are negligible and the flow of which is steady, or laminar.
For this experiment, by using the FM 24 Bernoullis Apparatus Test Equipment is
to demonstrate the Bernoullis theorem. The experiment was conducted in order to find
the time taken to collect 3L of water, the volumetric flow rates of the water, the pressure
difference at all manometer tube at different cross section. The time to collect 0.003 m3
water is recorded based on the different flow rate for each experiment.
The combination of venture meter complete with manometer tube and hydraulic
bench were used. During the experiment, water is fed through a hose connector and the
flow rate can be adjusted at the flow regulator valve at the outlet of the test section. The
venture can be demonstrated as a means of flow measurement and the discharge
coefficient can be determined the results show the reading of each manometer tubes
increase when the pressure difference increases. From the reading of height can be
calculated the data by applied the Bernoulli equation to fin the velocity of the fluid
moving.
The pressure level and velocity reading for part A to E of the tube is recorded.
From Bernoulli theory, the relation between the increase and decrease in the pressure
value is inversely proportional to its velocity. Bernoulli's Principle tells that as the fluid
flows more quickly through the narrow sections, the pressure actually decreases rather
than increases. Thus, it proves the validity of Bernoullis theorem.

INTRODUCTION
Bernoulli's Principle is a physical principle formulated that states that "as the
speed of a moving fluid increases, the pressure within the fluid decreases. Bernoulli's
principle is named after the Swiss scientist Daniel Bernoulli . Bernoulli's principle states
that for an in viscid flow, an increase in the speed of the fluid occurs simultaneously with
a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy. Bernoulli's principle is
named after the Swiss scientist Daniel Bernoulli who published his principle in his book
Hydrodynamica in 1738.( Wikipedia, 2013)
Bernoulli's principle can be derived from the principle of conservation of energy.
Bernoullis Principle can be demonstrated by the Bernoulli equation. The Bernoulli
equation is an approximate relation between pressure, velocity, and elevation. As a fluid
passes through a pipe that narrows or widens, the velocity and pressure of the fluid vary.
As the pipe narrows, the fluid flows more quickly. Surprisingly, Bernoulli's Principle tells
that as the fluid flows more quickly through the narrow sections, the pressure actually
decreases rather than increases. Bernoulli's principle can be explained in terms of the law
of conservation of energy. As a fluid moves from a wider pipe into a narrower pipe or a
constriction, a corresponding volume must move a greater distance forward in the
narrower pipe and thus have a greater speed.
Meanwhile, Continuity equation is about in physics is an equation that describes
the transport of a conserved quantity. Continuity equations are a stronger, local form of
conservation laws. (Wikipedia, 2013).
However, Bernoullis Principle can only be applied under certain conditions. The
conditions to which Bernoullis equation applies are the fluid must be frictionless (in
viscid) and of constant density; the flow must be steady , continuous, incompressible,
non-viscous fluid flow, the total energy or total head remains constant at all the section
along the fluid flow provided there is no loss or addition of energy.

The Bernoulli equation:

P V2
+ + z=total head=constant
Y 2g
Where,
P
= Pressure Head (m)
Y
V2
= Velocity or kinetic head (m) (v=Q /A= m/s )
2g
Z = Potential head (Height above some assumed level)

AIMS
The objectives of the experiment are:1. To investigate the validity of the Bernoulli equation when applied to the steady
flow of water in a tapered duct.
2. To measure the flow rates with venture meter and to demonstrate Bernoulli.
3. To find the time taken to collect 3L of water, the volumetric flow rates of the
water, the pressure difference at all manometer tube, velocity, dynamic head and
also the total head.
4. To determine a steady, continuous, incompressible, non-viscous fluid flow, the
total energy or total head remains constant at all the section along the fluid flow
provided there is no loss or addition of energy.

THEORY

Clearly state that the assumption made in driving Bernoullis principle equation is:
1. The model calculation here assumes laminar flow(no turbulence)
2. The distance from the larger diameter to the smaller is short enough that viscous
losses can be neglected
3. The velocity profile follows that of theoretical laminar flow
4. The flow is steady and the velocity of the liquid is less than the critical velocity
for the liquid.
5. There is no loss energy due to friction.

Then, it is expressed with the following equation:

P V2
+ + z=total head=constant
g 2 g
Where (in SI units):
p = fluid static pressure at the cross section in N/m2.
r = density of the flowing fluid in kg/m3
g = acceleration due to gravity in m/s2 (its value is 9.81 m/s2 = 9810
mm/s2)
v = mean velocity of fluid flow at the cross section in m/s
z = elevation head of the center of the cross section with respect to a
datum z=0
The terms on the left-hand-side of the above equation represent the pressure
head (h), velocity head (hi ), and elevation head (z), respectively. The sum of these terms

is known as the total head (hT). According to the Bernoullis theorem of fluid flow
through a pipe, the total head hT at any cross section is constant (based on the
assumptions given above). In a real flow due to friction and other imperfections, as well
as measurement uncertainties, the results will deviate from the theoretical ones.
In our experimental setup, the centre line of all the cross sections we are
considering lie on the same horizontal plane (which we may choose as the datum, z=0),
and thus, all the z values are zeros so that the above equation reduces to:
p
' g

v2
2. g

= hT = constant

(This is the total head at a cross

section).
Total head, hT = hs + hv
For our experiment, we denote the pressure head as h and the total head as h*i,
where i represents the cross section we are referring to.

APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

In order to complete the demonstration of Bernoullis theorem, several apparatus are
needed. They are as follows:
1.

Venture meter

2.

Pad of manometer tube

3.

Hydraulic bench

4.

Stop watch

5.

Water

6.

Water tank equipped with water controller

7.

Water host and tubes.

PROCEDURE
General Start-up Procedures
The Bernoullis Theorem Demonstration (Model: FM 24) is supplied ready for use and
only requires connection to the Hydraulic Bench (Model: FM110) as follows:
1. The clear acrylic test section was ensured installed with the converging section
upstream. The unions tightened and checked.
2. The apparatus located on the flat top of the bench.
3. A spirit level was attached to the baseboard and the unit was level on the top of
the bench by adjusting the feet.
4. The water was filled into the volumetric tank of the hydraulic bench until
approximately 90% full.
5. The flexible inlet tube was connected using the quick released coupling in the bed
channel.
6. The flexible hose was connected to the outlet and it directed into the channel.
7. The outlet flow control partially opened at the Bernoullis Theorem
Demonstration Unit.
8. The bench flow control valve, V1 fully closed then the pump switched on.
9. V1 was gradually opened and water allowed filling until all air has been expelled
from the system.
10. All the trapped bubbles was checked in the glass tube or plastic transfer tube.
-To remove air bubbles, the air were bleed out using a pen or screw driver to press
the air bleed valve at the top right side of the manometer board.
11. Water flowing into the venturi and discharge into the collection tank of hydraulic
bench.
12. The water flow rate proceeds to increased it. When all the water flow was steady
and there were no trapped bubbles, the discharge valve closed to reduce the flow
to the maximum measurable flow rate.
13. Water levels in the manometer were in different heights.
14. V1 and outlet control valve adjusted to obtain the flow through the test section
and the static pressure profile observed along the converging and diverging
sections is indicated on its respective manometers. The total head pressure along
the venture tube being measured by traversing the hypodermic tube. Note: the
manometer tube connected to the tapping adjacent to the outlet flow control valve

is used as a datum when setting up equivalent conditions for flow through test
section.
15. The actual flow rate measured by using the volumetric tank with a stop watch.
General Shut Down Procedures
1. Water supply valve and venturi discharge valve closed.
2. The water supply pump closed.
3. Water drain off from the unit when not in use.

Procedure
1. The general start up procedures was performed.
2. Before conducting the experiment, all the manometer tubing was checked to make
sure air- bubbles free whether they are properly connected to the corresponding
pressure taps. The discharge valve was adjusted to a high measurable flow rate
3. After the level stabilized, the water flow rate was measured using volumetric
method and record the manometer reading.
4. The hypodermic tube that was connected to manometer #H was gently slide so
that its end reaches the cross section of the venturi tube at #A. After some time,
the readings from manometer #H and #A were noted. The reading shown by
manometer #H is the sum of the static head and velocity heads, total head (h*),
because the hypodermic tube is held against the flow of fluid forcing it to a stop
(zero velocity). The reading in manometer #A measures just the pressure head
(hi) because it is connected to the venturi tube pressure tap, which does not
obstruct the flow thus measuring the flow static pressure.
5. Step 4 was repeated for other cross sections (#B, #C, #D, #E and #F).
6. Steps 3 to 6 were repeated at least with three other decreasing flow rates by
regulating the venture discharge valve.
7. The actual flow Q from the volumetric flow measurement method was obtained.
8. The velocity was calculated using the Bernoullis equation where
V iB= 2 g (hhi)
9. The velocity were also calculated using the continuity equation where,
V iC =Qav / A i
10. The difference between the two velocities was calculated.

RESULT
(i)
Volume Collected (m3)
0.003

Flow Rate (m3/s)

1.40 x 10-4

Time (s)
21.04

Differenc
Cross

Using Bernoulli Equation

Using

Continuity e

Equation

ViB Vic

Sectio
n

A
B
C
D
E
F

(m/s)
hH

Hi

(m)

(m)

0.178
0.176
0.132
0.171
0.170
0.169

0.167
0.162
0.124
0.150
0.154
0.159

ViB = 2g (hHhi)
(m/s)
0.46
0.52
0.40
0.64
0.31
0.44

Ai = D2/4

Vic = QAv/Ai

(m2)

(m/s)

0.0531
0.0366
0.0201
0.0314
0.1521
0.0531

2.64
3.83
6.97
4.46
9.20
2.64

10-3
10-3
10-3
10-3
10-3
10-3

0.4574
0.5162
0.3930
0.6355
0.3008
0.4374

(ii)
Volume Collected (m3)
0.003

Flow Rate (m3/s)

1.04 x 10-4

Time (s)
28.79

Differenc
Cross

Using Bernoulli Equation

Using

Continuity e

Equation

ViB Vic

Sectio
n

A
B
C
D
E
F

(m/s)
hH

Hi

(m)

(m)

0.167
0.165
0.163
0.161
0.160
0.160

0.159
0.156
0.139
0.149
0.151
0.154

ViB = 2g (hHhi)
(m/s)
0.46
0.42
0.68
0.49
0.44
0.34

Ai = D2/4

Vic = QAv/Ai

(m2)

(m/s)

0.0531
0.0366
0.0201
0.0314
0.1521
0.0531

5.52
3.81
2.09
3.27
1.58
5.52

10-6
10-6
10-6
10-5
10-5
10-6

0.3945
0.4162
0.6800
0.4900
0.4400
0.3400

(iii)
Volume Collected (m3)
0.003

Flow Rate (m3/s)

1.90 x 10-4

Time (s)
15.53

Differenc
Cross

Using Bernoulli Equation

Using

Continuity e

Equation

ViB Vic

Sectio
n

A
B
C
D
E
F

(m/s)
hH

Hi

(m)

(m)

0.18
2
0.17
8
0.17
3
0.17
0
0.16
9
0.16
7

ViB = 2g
(hH-hi)
(m/s)

Ai = D2/4
(m2)

0.163

0.61

0.0531

0.156

0.65

0.0366

0.105

1.16

0.0201

0.136

0.82

0.0314

0.142

0.73

0.1521

0.150

0.58

0.0531

Vic

QAv/Ai
(m/s)
3.58
10-3
5.19
10-3
9.45
10-3
6.05
10-3
1.25
10-3
3.58
10-3

0.6064
0.6449
1.1505
0.8139
0.7287
0.5764

CALCULATION

Flow Rate, QAC =

Volume collected
Time
0.003
21.04

= 1.40 x 10-4 m3/s

Using Bernoulli Equation, ViB = 2g (hH-hi)
= 2(9.8) (0.178-0.167)
= 0.46 m/s
Q
Ai

Using Continuity Equation, Vic =

1.40 x 104
5.31 x 104

= 2.6410-3 m/s
Difference, ViB Vic = 0.46 - 2.6410-3
= 0.4574 m/s

DISCUSSION
Based on the objective, this experiment is being conduct to investigate the validity
of the Bernoullis equation when applied to the steady flow of water in a tapered duct. As
we already know water is fluid and all fluid have properties to take the shape of the
container or wherever they flow or stored. Since the volume passing through at given
length of pipe during a given period of time will be the same, there must be a decrease in
pressure. From the Bernoullis principle, it states that the slower the rate of flow, the
higher the pressure, and the fastest the rate flow the lower the pressure.
The Bernoulli theorem is an approximate relation between pressure, velocity, and
elevation, and is valid in regions of steady, incompressible ow where net frictional
forces are negligible. The equation is obtained when the Eulers equation is integrated
along the streamline for a constant density for incompressible fluid. The constant of
integration (called the Bernoullis constant) varies from one streamline to another but
remains constant along a streamline in steady, frictionless, incompressible flow. Despite
its simplicity, it has been proven to be a very powerful tool for uid mechanics.
Bernoullis equation states that the sum of the kinetic energy (velocity head), the
pressure energy (static head) and Potential energy (elevation head) per unit weight of the
fluid at any point remains constant provided the flow is steady, irrotational, and
frictionless and the fluid used is incompressible. This is however, on the assumption that
energy is neither added to nor taken away by some external agency. The key
approximation in the derivation of Bernoullis equation is that viscous effects are
negligibly small compared to inertial, gravitational, and pressure effects.
The Bernoullis equation forms the basis for solving a wide variety of fluid flow
problems such as jets issuing from an orifice, jet trajectory, flow under a gate and over a
weir, flow metering by obstruction meters, flow around submerged objects, flows
associated with pumps and turbines etc. The equipment is designed as a self-sufficient
unit it has a sump tank, measuring tank and a pump for water circulation as shown in
figure1. The apparatus consists of a supply tank, which is connected to flow channel. The
channel gradually contracts for a length and then gradually enlarges for the remaining
length.

From the experiment, we knew that as the fluid flow from wider to narrower one,
the velocity of flowing fluid increases. This shown in all the results table, where the
velocity of water that flows in the tapered duct increases as the duct area decreases.
From the analysis we can conclude that for this flow, the difference velocity increases as
the pressure difference increases.
In addition to find the velocity difference we use Bernoulli Equation and Continuity
Equation. As for the Bernoulli Equation : ViB = 2g (hH-hi)
Where g gravitational force = 9.81 m/s2
hH Reading at Tube A
hi Reading at Tube H
As for the continuity Equation : , Vic =

Q
Ai

Where Q Flow Rate

A Area of the tube
As we can see from collected result, as the pressure difference increase, the velocity
difference increase. From the Bernoullis Principle Theorem, as the pressure increase, the
velocity must be decrease. Thus, we can conclude that there must be error during the
experiment as the value of difference velocity are not constantly decreased. One of them
is, the observer must have not read the level of static head properly, where the eyes are
not perpendicular to the water level on the manometer. Other than that, the pressure on A
until F are not stable yet but the reading are already taken. Thus, there are some minor
effects on the circulations due to the errors. From the experiment has been found that the
Bernoullis principle is valid for steady flow of fluid in tapered duct .

CONCLUSION

As a conclusion, the objective of this experiment was achieved that is to

demonstrate the Bernoullis Theorem experiment. The result collected from the
experiment is according to the Bernoullis Theorem which is the highest speed is the one
at the lowest pressure, whereas the lowest speed is present at the most highest pressure.
Due to the highest pressure of the water, it causes the reading of manometer become the
highest. This principle complies with the principle of conservation of energy which it is
the sum if all forms of mechanical energy along the streamline.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Repeat the experiment several times to get an accurate value.
2. The eye of the observer must be parallel to the water level to avoid parallax error.
3. Make sure the bubbles in the manometer are completely removed by adjusting the
bleed screw.
4. Make sure there is no leakage along the tube to prevent the water flowing out.
5. Make sure the pressure difference be maintained by control the valve slowly.
REFERENCES
1. John F.Douglas, (2001), Fluid Mechanics (4th ed.), Pearson Education Limited.
2. B.R. Munson, D.F. Young, and T.H. Okiishi, (1998), Fundamentals of Fluid
Mechanics (3rd ed.), Wiley.
3. Lab Manual: Bernoullis Theorem demonstration Unit.
4. http://www.scribd.com/doc/39165346/Bernoulli-s-Theorem-DistributionExperiment
5. http://www.solution.com.my/pdf/FM24(A4).pdf

APPENDIX

Figure 1-1 : Bernoulli's Theorem Demonstration unit (FM 24)

Figure1-2: Diameter of Venturi meter